July seems to be filled with conversations about relationships, the ones we care about, loss and moving on. A packed month indeed!
1. Love, Bombs and Apples
When: 1 July
Where: Harkat Studio
What:
Bhasha Centre’s Hear, Here returns with a reading of Love, Bombs and Apples. Their previous iterations have been incredibly presented and have featured some strong performers while standing as proof that play readings can be replete with just as much heart as a staged productions. The third volume is bound to be no exception. Directed by Faezeh Jalali, Love, Bombs and Apples is a gripping and comical contemplation of the human condition, desire, and ambition, examined alongside several global political issues.
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2. Traasadi
When: 6&7 July
Where: Veda Kunba Theatre
What:
We last saw Manav Kaul in Chuhal 5 years ago, needless to say Traasadi, a piece written, directed and performed by him, has spurred the interest of many. Audiences have remarked that Kaul's solo storytelling performance is nuanced and gripping. As for the story itself, it seems to be one of comfort, of repentance, of homecoming. It follows the journey of a man trying to navigate parental loss while examining the way he sees the world and the way the world was for his mother.
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3. Baaghi Albele
When: 12 & 13 July Where: Prithvi Theatre What: Amidst a government ban on an artistic endeavors, an over-the-top theatre group decides to pay no head to the orders that have been issued, thereby landing them in hot waters with those in power. What follows next involves a plan to escape, mistaken identities and encounters with spies. Baaghi Albele is satire at its best, for it serves as both a punchy comedy that also explores artistic censorship, and survival in the face of government crackdowns set in a dystopian post-Independence Punjab. Know More 4. Jar Tar Chi Goshta
When: 13 July - 21 July
Where: Multiple Venues
What:
Exes bumping into one another is a familiar trope, whether it’s in the plays, movies and tv shows we watch or whether it’s a real life occurrence. Which is probably why it’s comforting and endearing Irawati Karnik’s Jar Tar Chi Goshta where a divorced couple attempt to find closure. The play is simple and the actors bring a whole lot of presence and chemistry to the table thereby making it extremely watchable.
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5. Charchaughi
When: 13 July - 27 July
Where: Multiple Venues
What:
This play has been running for a while and audiences seem to be flocking to it everytime. While the story of a mother and her three daughters navigating life while attempting to hold their own is captivating, it’s the performances that really stand out, and nothing less is to be expected of the 4 actors, Rohini Hattangady, Kadambari Kadam, Mukta Barve and Parne Pethe. A reprisal of the original which premiered in the 1990’s, Charchaughi may not be as shocking to audiences as it once was, but the conversations it touches upon with respect to relationships, divorce and the likes, still remain relevant.
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6. Letters of Suresh
When: 26 & 28 July
Where: Prithvi Theatre
What:
What's cool about this play? The entirety of it has been orchestrated as letters, save for one sequence showcasing a facetime call. Written by Rajiv Josheph and directed by Feroz Abbas Khan, the play is infused with the vivacity for human connection that the art of handwritten letters gently fosters. Carefully rendered characters are brought to life by a promising cast featuring the likes of Palomi Ghosh, Vir Hirani, Radhika Sawhney and Harssh Singh.
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7. BE-LOVED
When: 27 July
Where: St. Andrew’s Centre for Philosophy and PerformingArt
What:
An interesting and dynamic conversation about sexuality and gender, Be-Loved is a collection of short stories about love and being queer. From couples who explore love outside their marriage to individuals who continue to explore what the possibility of love looks like for them. The ensemble executing these stories brings a light-heartedness to it and their energy is truly infectious. Plus the music in the show is a treat to listen to.
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8. Dekh Behen Part Two
When: 28 July
Where: Of 10
What:
Another wedding, another city, same group of girls (and maybe one surprise addition.) The sisterhood comes together once again, this time there are newer hurdles to cross, newer gossip to deliver and a whole lot of catching up to do. While it is not mandatory to have watched the first installment, it is endearing to watch familiar characters that have grown and continue to do so. Amidst all the locker room talk, it's the care the girls have for each other that really shines through. So take a pal along perhaps and spend an evening paying an ode to the wonderful friendships in your life.
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9. Every Brilliant Thing When: 26 July - 28 July Where: Multiple Venues What: Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe’s writing is tender, hilarious and heartwarming. Vivek madan’s performance is honest, empathetic and filled with care. And so this rendition of EVery brilliant Thing is truly life affirming, hopeful and entertaining. Watching a seven year old boy growing up while building a list of things worth living for, in order to cheer up his depressed mother, is a story that's bound to tug at the heartstrings. However, the joy and laughter the narrative elicits, is a rather unexpected and pleasant surprise. Know More